Sinn Fein attend meeting with loyalist St. Patrick’s Day band

A Sinn Féin delegation led by MP Conor Murphy last night met with representatives of Cormeen Rising Sons of William Loyalist Band. Speaking after the meeting Mr Murphy told Newry Times, “We used this meeting to appeal to representatives of Cormeen Sons of William to cancel their intended march on St Patrick’s Day through Armagh. We refute completely their claims that Armagh city centre shuts down at 4pm on St Patrick’s Day. We know that this is not the case and many of the restaurants and bars along the proposed route would be banking on making good sales well into the evening time on this day.”

Murphy continued, “Sinn Féin have said from the outset the decision by the Parades Commission to allow this march to proceed is a recipe for disaster regardless of any stewarding provision made by this loyalist band or policing provision made by the PSNI.”

“Our appeal to this band is to cancel this parade and going forward to become involved in the annual St Patrick’s Day celebrations by going through the correct channels and speaking in advance to the Council Parade organisers,” he added.